Jaclyn S
- Research Program Mentor

PhD candidate at Stanford University

Expertise

Physics, mathematics, chemistry, visual arts, design, biomechanics

Bio

My primary specialty is computational condensed matter physics and magnetic materials. I have experience with ML and micro-magnetic simulations, and also with neutrino physics and biomechanics. I am also a professional scientific illustrator! Drawing and painting have always been passions of mine, and I love using those skills to help share scientific concepts with a wider audience.

Project ideas

Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.

Creating a science comic

In this project, you will pick a concept in physics you find fascinating, and design a comic to explain it in a way that is accessible to anyone. You will gain experience in design, drawing, and composition on the art side, but also reading scientific literature, and breaking down complex concepts to the fundamentals.

Writing a scientific review

In this project, you will write a scientific review-style paper on a topic of your choice. Topics could range anywhere within physics, from “the discovery of quantum mechanics” to “how do we know that dark matter exists?”. This process will teach you how to find, access, and critically analyze existing scientific literature and how to assemble primary literature into a scientific review. You will gain skills in writing and editing, as well as an in-depth knowledge of your chosen research topic.

Using physics to reduce sports injuries

Is there an specific injury that is common in your favorite sport? You can use a biomechanical model (applying physics to human motion) to identify risk factors and ways the mitigate them. You can design an experiment to collect measurements for your model.

Coding skills

Python, C++, rusty in Matlab,

Languages I know

Spanish, beginner

Teaching experience

Through the F.A.S.T. program, I mentored a group of high school student on an experiment for a state-wide science fair. I have been tutoring on-and-off for over a decade, most recently in AP-level Calculus and Physics. I have been a TA in physics labs multiple times.